Flow effects on prostacyclin production by cultured human endothelial cells.

Abstract

Endothelial cell functions, such as arachidonic acid metabolism, may be modulated by membrane stresses induced by blood flow. The production of prostacyclin by primary human endothelial cell cultures subjected to pulsatile and steady flow shear stress was measured. The onset of flow led to a sudden increase in prostacyclin production, which decreased to a… (More)